– Maresca had a nightmare debut when the champions sent a shock message with captain Martin Ødegaard named the best player of the match
Cardiff: Arsenal opened the season with a show of power when they beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium. Martin Ødegaard crowned a brilliant team effort with his 3-0 goal, while debutant Christos Tzolis provided two assists in what was to be a night to forget for new City manager Enzo Maresca.
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It only took 23 seconds for Arsenal to send the first shock message. Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has been the subject of intense transfer rumours, showed class beyond his age when he danced past a City defender and left a perfect through pass to Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian came storming into the box, fooled Gianluigi Donnarumma and coolly placed the ball in the bottom left corner.
“What a start! What a goal! Arsenal’s supporters exploded in Cardiff, was the comment from the live broadcast.
The newcomer who took Arsenal by storm
Christos Tzolis didn’t need long to make his mark. The Greek, who was brought in to add speed and creativity, had a dream debut for his new employers.
In the 28th minute, Martin Ødegaard went out to the right wing before hitting a perfect cross against the back post. There, Tzolis was ready to nod the ball back over goal to Kai Havertz, who fooled Josko Gvardiol and headed in 2-0.
But the Greek was not finished. Just after half-time, he danced inwards from the left wing towards Abdukodir Khusanov before he played a low pass in to Ødegaard. The Norwegian captain put Gvardiol on his heels, fooled Donnarumma and rolled the ball into an almost empty goal from close range.
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“He looked like he had been playing here for years,” the experts commented after the game.
Tzolis also recorded more passes into the final third than anyone else in Arsenal’s team – a statistic that underlines his immediate impact and ability to break down even the best defences.
Haaland invisible – Maresca in shock
For Enzo Maresca, his debut match as City manager was one long nightmare. The Italian saw his team fall behind after just 23 seconds, and the experience did not improve as the game progressed.
Erling Braut Haaland, who has not played a single pre-season match after his World Cup efforts with Norway, was completely invisible. The Norwegian was substituted after just 54 minutes, and City’s attacking play lacked both punch and creativity.
Arsenal completely dominated. They created 2.19 expected goals (xG) against City’s paltry 0.77 – a statistic that speaks volumes about the balance of power this afternoon in Wales.
“This was not the plan,” Maresca reportedly muttered on his way out of the Principality Stadium.
Historic record
Arsenal made history with their sixth straight win in the Community Shield – a record that solidifies their position as the Premier League’s undisputed kings.
Calafiori’s goal after 23 seconds was the fastest in the tournament since 1968, and Ødegaard netted his first goal for Arsenal since December 2024.
Facts about Tzolis’ debut:
| Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Assists | 2 |
| Passing in the final third | Most in the team |
| Matches played | 1 |
| Age | 22 years old |
Reactions:
“He brings exactly what we need – speed, direct play and the ability to create chances,” Mikel Arteta said at the press conference.
The way forward
With Bukayo Saka back off the bench and Gabriel Martinelli on his way back, Arteta suddenly has a luxury problem on the wings. Tzolis’ performance puts pressure on the rest of the squad.
Now the start of the league awaits. Arteta’s men open their defence of the Premier League title at home against Coventry City on Friday night. Maresca and City will have two extra days to digest the humiliation before they visit Bournemouth on Sunday.
One thing is certain: Arsenal have planted the flag already. The question is whether anyone will be able to tear it down.
Arsenal 3-0 Manchester City
Community Shield | Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Scorers: 1′ Calafiori, 28′ Havertz, 49′ Ødegaard
Attendance: 58,056 | Referee: Samuel Barrott
